Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-12-05
INTERESTING DISCOURSE.
Rev. a. j. Bell, of Chicago, Lectures u
Youth of Sacramento.


Youth of Sacramento.
Yesterday afternoon the rooms OF the
Young Mems Christian Association were
well filed with young men. 1t was not
gathering of men, but of young mem
much tie larger part of the audience being
composed of young men from 16 to 30 years
of age. They were clean-cut men too, and
from outward indications one would say
the majority of them had plenty OF back
bone. The cause of this gathering
was desire to hear A. J. Bell,
a we'll Known lay evangelist from Chicago,
at present in our city. The exercises OF
the horr commenced with song service
by the General Secretary of the Assocla-
ton. There was no choir to 90 the sing
ing, but every man was invited and ex-
pected to sing, and judging from the vol
ume of sound, nearly all present old SO.
The Introductory PRAYER was offered by Rev.
Thomas sF'ilben. After a few notices by
the Secretary, Mr.. Bell was introduced.
He is a fine, well-preserved man OF
apparently fifty years of age, though 1t
was lear led from his address later that he
is much older He would pass readily for
a success tul business or professional man,
there being nothing ministerial in his ap-
pearance or style. He is thoroughly prac-
teal and evidently understands how to
interest young men. In beginning his
address, which partook largely the form OF
familiar talk, he referred to his long con-
nection with Young Mems Christian Asso-
Citations, and as consequence how pleased
he was to address young men. Taking as
his theme Psalm cxix 8, Wherewithal
shall young man cleanse his way? BY
taking heed thereto according to thy
word" He read Proverbs ii. to show how
practicable Gods word is, and how
1t is adapted to young men. Read
Proverbs i. to xvi. and follow the precepts
contained therein and you will come out
young men of whom every one will be
proud. Gods word is adapted for
men in every condition of life. 1t
gives a man backbone and en-
ables him to Withstand temptations
culties and sorrows of life, this word if
studied and put into practice, will help
every man. Mr.. Bell gave brief sketch
of his own life showing how in his early
manhood he had accepted this word of
God as his guide, and how it had enabled
him, amid the rough scenes of mining
camp in Colorado on the frontier where he
had not seen white woman for over six
moths, and amid the polished society of
the nations capital during the troublous
times of the war, to stand firm to his prin-
ciples, and whilst others went under he
enjoyed prosperity. His experience as
surveyor and mining engineer proved to
him that if man will take Gods word as
his guide, it will preserve him from all
evil. Young men just entering into life
take this word as your guide. fits teach
ings are followed it will prevent you from
falling into evil habits, and it is far easier
to prevent a young man falling into
and giving way to his passions than to re-
form him when he has done so. Above all
take the perfect man, Christ Jesus, for ex-
ample. He is a splendid example of true
manliness. Take Him as your Savior,
guide and friend and you win do we'll"
Mr.. Bells address was full of appropriate
illustrations, tender pathos and we'll
adapted to his audience. The majority of
the young men present remained to an
after meeting led by Mr.. Bell, in which
numerous testimonials were given to the
value of Gods word.